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dji Tello - User Manual

dji Tello
22 pages
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2018.09
v1.4
User Manual
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Summary

Using This Manual

Legend

Explains the meaning of icons used in the manual for different types of information.

Read Before the First Flight

Lists essential documents and resources to review before operating the Tello aircraft for the first time.

Download the Tello App

Instructions on how to download and install the Tello application on a mobile device.

Units of Measurement

Clarifies the use of metric and US units in the manual, noting potential approximations.

Product Profile

Introduction

Provides a general overview of the Tello quadcopter, its features, and capabilities.

Aircraft Diagram

Illustrates the Tello aircraft with numbered components and labels for identification.

Aircraft

Flight Modes

Describes manual flight control using the app, intelligent flight modes, and the fallback Attitude mode.

Flying the Tello Manually

Explains the two manual flight speeds (Slow and Fast) and how the Vision Positioning System affects flight.

Attitude Mode

Details Attitude mode, activated when the Vision Positioning System is unavailable, and its implications for flight stability.

Aircraft Status Indicator

Aircraft Status Indicator States

Details the colors and patterns of the aircraft's status indicator and their corresponding meanings.

Vision Positioning System

Using the Vision Positioning System

Explains how the Vision Positioning System works, its effective altitude ranges, and factors affecting its performance.

Intelligent Flight Modes

Bounce Mode

Describes the Bounce mode, how to activate it, and safety precautions for its use.

8 D Flips

Explains the 8D Flips feature, how to perform flips in different directions, and necessary safety measures.

Throw & Go

Details the Throw & Go feature for launching the aircraft by throwing it, including operational guidelines and safety.

Using 360

Explains how to use the 360 mode to record a short video while the aircraft rotates.

Using Circle

Describes the Circle mode for recording a video while the aircraft flies in a circular path.

Using Up & Away

Explains the Up & Away mode for recording a video while the aircraft flies upwards and backwards.

Propellers

Attaching the Propellers

Provides instructions on how to correctly attach the Tello's propellers to the motors, distinguishing types.

Detaching the Propellers

Details the procedure for safely detaching propellers using the removal tool and important safety warnings.

Propeller Guards

Mounting the Propeller Guards

Step-by-step guide on how to mount the propeller guards onto the aircraft's landing gear.

Detaching the Propeller Guards

Instructions on how to remove propeller guards, emphasizing caution to avoid damage.

Flight Battery

Inserting the Flight Battery

Guide on how to properly insert the flight battery into the Tello aircraft and ensure it is securely mounted.

Charging the Flight Battery

Details the process for charging the flight battery, including charging time, adapter requirements, and temperature guidelines.

Checking Battery Level

Explains how to check the Tello's battery level using the power button and the Tello app.

Camera

Tello App

Connecting and Basic Setup

Guides on connecting the Tello to your mobile device and understanding the app's main camera view.

App Features and Controls

Details on using Intelligent Flight Modes, Auto Takeoff/Landing, and various app settings for flight customization.

App Status Indicators

Explanation of status indicators within the Tello app for battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flight speed, and altitude.

App Media and Controls

Covers accessing playback, switching photo/video modes, and using the shoot/record button in the app.

Virtual Joysticks

Details the use of virtual joysticks in the Tello app for controlling the aircraft's movement and orientation.

Controlling the Aircraft

Joystick Modes and Operation

Explains the two virtual joystick control modes (Mode 1 and Mode 2) and their functions for aircraft movement.

Mode 1 Controls

Diagram and explanation of joystick controls for Mode 1, detailing movement for left and right sticks.

Mode 2 Controls

Diagram and explanation of joystick controls for Mode 2, detailing movement for left and right sticks.

Virtual Joystick Details (Mode 2)

In-depth explanation of how the left and right sticks in Mode 2 control altitude, orientation, pitch, and roll.

Flight

Flight Environment Requirements

Specifies optimal and prohibited flight environments, weather conditions, and distances from obstacles.

Compliance with Regulations

Advises users to observe local laws and regulations during flight to prevent injury and damage.

Test Flight

Provides a step-by-step guide for performing a safe initial test flight of the Tello aircraft.

Firmware Updates

Specifications

Aircraft (Model: TLW004)

Lists detailed technical specifications for the Tello aircraft, including weight, speed, and temperature ranges.

Camera

Provides specifications for the Tello camera, including maximum image size and video recording modes.

Flight Battery

Details the specifications of the Tello's flight battery, such as capacity, voltage, type, and energy.

After-Sales Information

Overview

The Tello is a compact quadcopter designed for both indoor and outdoor flight in windless conditions. It integrates a Vision Positioning System and an onboard camera, making it capable of precise hovering and capturing high-quality media. The aircraft is equipped with advanced flight control technology, a video downlink system, and a Flight Battery to power its operations.

Function Description

The Tello's primary function is to provide an accessible and enjoyable flying experience, suitable for users of varying skill levels. It can be controlled manually via virtual joysticks within the Tello app or through a compatible remote controller. The aircraft offers two distinct manual flight speeds: "Slow" (default) for beginners, which limits the maximum flight attitude angle to 9° and speed to 6.7 mph (10.8 kph), and "Fast" for more experienced pilots, allowing a maximum attitude angle of 25° and speed of 17.8 mph (28.8 kph). Switching to "Fast" mode requires acknowledging disclaimers and warnings in the app.

Beyond manual control, the Tello features several Intelligent Flight Modes that automate complex maneuvers, enhancing the fun and creative possibilities of flight. These modes include:

  • Bounce Mode: In this mode, the aircraft automatically ascends and descends between 1.6 and 3.9 ft (0.5 and 1.2 m) above a flat surface. It can detect objects below it, such as a hand, and adjust its altitude accordingly, continuing its up-and-down motion.
  • 8D Flips: This mode allows the Tello to perform flips in any of eight different directions with a simple swipe gesture in the app.
  • Throw & Go: This intuitive feature enables users to launch the aircraft by gently throwing it into the air. The propellers will spin slowly, and upon a gentle upward and horizontal throw, the aircraft will automatically hover.
  • EZ Shots: This category includes various automated video recording modes:
    • 360: The aircraft rotates 360 degrees while recording a short video.
    • Circle: The Tello flies in a circle around a point approximately 7 ft (2 m) in front of its nose, recording a video.
    • Up & Away: The aircraft records a short video while flying upward and backward.

The Tello's camera captures 5-megapixel photos and streams 720p live video. Its Electronic Image Stabilization feature ensures clear images and smooth video recording. Photos and videos can be viewed directly in the Tello app and copied to a mobile device.

The Vision Positioning System (VPS) is crucial for the Tello's stability, helping it maintain its current position. This system, comprising a camera and a 3D infrared module on the underside of the aircraft, is automatically activated upon power-on. It is most effective at altitudes between 1.0 and 98.4 ft (0.3 to 30 m), with optimal performance at 1.0 to 19.7 ft (0.3 to 6 m). If the VPS becomes unavailable, the aircraft automatically switches to Attitude mode (ATTI mode), where it cannot position itself and is more susceptible to environmental factors like wind.

Failsafe Protection is integrated into the Tello, ensuring a safe landing if the mobile device's signal is weak or lost for 50 seconds, or if the Tello app crashes. Propeller guards are also provided to enhance safety by reducing the risk of harm or damage from accidental collisions.

Usage Features

Operating the Tello begins by turning on the aircraft and launching the Tello app on a mobile device. Connection is established by enabling Wi-Fi on the mobile device and selecting the "TELLO-XXXXXX" network. Once connected, the live camera view appears in the app.

The Tello app serves as the central control interface, offering a range of functionalities:

  • Auto Takeoff/Landing: Dedicated buttons allow for automatic takeoff and landing. PalmLand is an alternative landing mode where the aircraft lands gently on an outstretched, flat palm.
  • Intelligent Flight Modes Selection: A dedicated icon provides access to all Intelligent Flight Modes.
  • Settings: The settings screen allows users to adjust flight speed, VR settings, Bluetooth joystick settings, and Wi-Fi settings. Users can set a Wi-Fi password and change the Wi-Fi SSID. A reset option for Wi-Fi settings is available by holding the power button for 5 seconds. The "More" screen within settings offers access to a beginner guide, units of measurement, photo quality, low battery warnings, joystick settings, IMU calibration, center of gravity calibration, and firmware version information.
  • Battery Level Indicator: Displays the current battery charge.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Status: Icons indicate the connection status of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Flight Speed and Altitude: Displays the aircraft's horizontal speed and altitude above the surface.
  • Playback: Allows users to preview photos and videos captured during flight.
  • Photo/Video Toggle: Switches between photo and video recording modes.
  • Shoot/Record Button: Initiates photo capture or video recording.
  • Virtual Joysticks: These on-screen controls are used for manual flight. Two modes (Mode 1 and Mode 2) are available, with Mode 2 being the default. In both modes, centering both joysticks causes the Tello to hover. Pushing the left stick up/down controls altitude (throttle), and left/right controls orientation (yaw). Pushing the right stick up/down controls forward/backward movement (pitch), and left/right controls lateral movement (roll). The responsiveness of the joysticks extends beyond the white circles on the screen. When a compatible remote controller (e.g., Gamesir T1D) is connected via Bluetooth, the virtual joysticks are disabled.

Before the first flight, it is essential to read the Tello User Manual, Quick Start Guide, and Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines. Watching tutorial videos on the RYZE Tech website is also recommended. A test flight is advised for first-time users, involving auto takeoff, virtual joystick control, and auto landing in a flat, open area.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of the Tello.

  • Propeller Management: The Tello uses specific 3044P propellers, with marked propellers for motors with marked landing gear and unmarked propellers for motors with unmarked landing gear. Propellers should be mounted firmly, ensuring a minimal gap between the propeller cap and the motor. For removal, the provided propeller removal tool must be used; manual removal can damage motors. Only original propellers should be used, and mixing propeller types is not recommended. Before each flight, all propellers should be checked for firm installation and good condition; aged, chipped, or broken propellers must be replaced.
  • Propeller Guards: These accessories can be mounted to the aircraft's landing gear to protect against collisions. They should be pushed inwards until they click into position, ensuring the landing gear's protruding parts fit securely into the guards' notches. Removal involves gently twisting the lip of the guard with a thumb and finger. Excessive force should be avoided to prevent damage to the aircraft arms.
  • Flight Battery Care: The 3.8 V, 1100 mAh LiPo Flight Battery features built-in charging/discharging protection, including overcurrent/overvoltage protection, overdischarge protection, and short circuit protection.
    • Charging: The battery is charged by connecting the Micro USB port on the aircraft to a USB adapter (not provided) using a standard Micro USB cable. Charging takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Aircraft Status Indicator blinks blue slowly during charging and turns solid blue when fully charged. It is crucial to use an FCC/CE certified USB adapter rated at 5 V and 1.5 A or above. The aircraft must be powered off during charging. Avoid charging immediately after flight if the battery temperature is high; allow it to cool down to near room temperature. The ideal charging temperature range is 72° to 82° F (22° to 28° C), with an acceptable range of 41° to 113° F (5° to 45° C).
    • Battery Level Check: Turn on the aircraft and check the battery level in the Tello app.
    • Airline Travel: For airline travel, the Flight Battery must be discharged to 30% or lower by flying the aircraft.
  • Firmware Updates: When connected to the Tello app, users will be notified if a new firmware update is available. Updates typically take around 5 minutes. Before performing an update, ensure the Flight Battery has at least 50% charge.
  • Sensor and Camera Cleaning: To maintain optimal performance of the Vision Positioning System, the cameras and sensors should be kept clean at all times, as dirt or debris can adversely affect their effectiveness.

Adherence to flight environment requirements and local regulations is also a critical aspect of safe operation and maintenance. The Tello should only be flown in open, windless areas, away from obstacles, people, animals, buildings, and bodies of water. Avoid flying in adverse weather conditions or areas with significant magnetic or radio interference.

dji Tello Specifications

General IconGeneral
Branddji
ModelTello
CategoryQuadcopters
LanguageEnglish

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